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• Provide access to public resources and green spaces

Still one of the most important characteristics of cities, determining their
attractiveness and sustainability, is the amount of green spaces such as parks. They are
a break from urban life and have a proven track record of supporting mental health.
They also support the development of the surrounding fauna and flora, being home to different
species of birds, mammals, trees, etc. In addition, green spaces also have an important role in
supporting sustainable urban mobility by offering walking and cycling paths. They also serve as
places for active (sports) recreation, cultural events and a break from the hustle and bustle of the
city.

Talk to students about green zones in their cities and how they could be improved.

• Improve water conservation and wastewater management

One of the main demands of sustainable cities is related to the management of water
resources. Climate change is causing more cities to face periodic water shortages. This
is due to irregular rainfall, alternating periods of drought followed by periods of
increased rainfall. This makes water retention difficult and causes problems with water storage.
The problems of water management are numerous. In sustainable cities, there are supposed to
be solutions for this related to the use of sensors and IoT to better respond to leaks. Additionally,
such cities pay considerable attention to the state of water and its pollution, which reduces the
difficulty of cleaning it up later. In such cities, for example, parks are irrigated by gray wastewater.

• Support urban farming

Urban farming aims to increase local production and thus minimise the environmental
effect of transportation. This can be practiced by using rooftops, terraces, balconies,
community gardens or special places in schools and restaurants where herbs,
vegetables and fruits would be planted. It is also intended to provide inspiration and
increase ecological knowledge and awareness of seasonality, which will also increase restrictions
and change consumption habits. This will reduce the price of local, seasonal food and allow
unused, wasted space in cities to be transformed into a way to gain multiple benefits.

• Implement green architecture

Green architecture is based on the use of sustainable materials and resources,
supported by renewable energy sources and efficient water use. It is also supported by
the use of a large number of green zones within it or the previously mentioned urban
farming. Buildings are created in places that have the least possible impact on the
environment. Their main tasks are to be energy efficient, have less impact on the environment,
increase air quality and promote health.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.